EDMUNDS.COM 2004 DODGE INTREPID
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
It looks big, it seats five in relative comfort, yet surprisingly, it doesn''t drive like a large car. And with a choice of three well-equipped models, the Intrepid can serve as anything from a stylish family sedan to a bargain sport sedan.
Pros
Plenty of passenger and luggage capacity, agile handling, powerful engines.
Cons
Dated ergonomics, blind spots when backing up, engine noise when pressed.
What''s New for 2004
No changes for 2004.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 1993, the Intrepid was a roomy sedan that, in ES trim, came equipped with a 214-horsepower V6 along with a well-sorted suspension that gave enthusiasts on a budget something to shout about. Well, maybe not shout, but at least enjoy their time behind the wheel. As the years went on, Dodge made improvements, such as adopting speed-sensitive power steering and automanual transmission functionality. That first-generation Intrepid, however, was no beauty queen, with squinty-eye headlamps and overly busy body details. But that changed in 1998, when the car was completely revamped and sported an uncluttered, curvaceous body along with more power for its V6 engines. Even now, in its seventh year, the second-generation Intrepid is still a looker. With the numerous updates made on past Intrepids, such as the availability of side airbags and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (standard on cars with ABS), Dodge has kept the Intrepid relatively current. With up to 244 horsepower available and an athletic chassis to go along with it, the Intrepid proves that having to buy a sensible family sedan doesn''t mean having to commit to a humdrum driving experience.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Intrepid comes in three flavors: base SE, sporty SXT and luxury ES. The SE has many desirable features standard, such as air conditioning; four-wheel disc brakes; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; and cassette deck. Moving up to the ES adds a 3.5-liter, 234 horsepower V6, foglamps, power driver seat, keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. Enthusiasts will want to go with the SXT, which has a high-output 244-horsepower V6, along with a rear spoiler and chrome wheels. Options include a front split bench seat in lieu of buckets (only for the SE), a power sunroof, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an in-dash CD changer, antilock brakes and a cold weather package.
Powertrains and Performance:
A 2.7-liter V6 sends its 200 horsepower to the front wheels of the SE model. Two versions of the 3.5-liter, High-Output V6 exist. Standard on ES models is a 234-horsepower version. The SXT uses the same engine but squeezes 10 more ponies out of it via a variable intake manifold that optimizes the incoming airflow. All Intrepids have a four-speed automatic gearbox that can be shifted manually on SXT models via Chrysler''s AutoStick shifter.
Safety:
Although four-wheel disc brakes are standard, ABS remains optional. Intrepids fitted with ABS also benefit from Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) technology. Unfortunately, only ES models come with traction control. Side airbags are optional on all Intrepids. In frontal- and side-impact testing, the Intrepid scored four (out of five) stars, except in rear-side, where it received just three stars. In frontal offset impact testing, the Intrepid earned an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The sporty theme of the Intrepid''s exterior is carried through to its cabin with a clean, cockpit-style layout and sweeping dash. The low placement of the stereo and its fussy controls show that the aged ergonomics leave a bit to be desired, but plenty of room for five adults makes that a petty annoyance at worst. Should the generous 18.4 cubic feet of trunk space not be enough, there is a 60/40-split folding rear seat standard on ES and SXT models, and optional on the SE.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Inevitably, when Edmunds'' editors are discussing the Intrepid, it''s the car''s handling that dominates the conversation. One quote from a past road test best sums it up: "We were pleasantly surprised by the Intrepid''s (handling prowess). It hunkered down in the twisties without breaking a sweat and cruised on the highway like an old Chrysler 300, floating over every bump in the road." This, along with plenty of smooth power and an accommodating cabin, makes the Intrepid a hit with driving enthusiasts and harried parents alike.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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